If you’re reading this, you’ve probably read some green-based books, or are trying to wade through the many books out there! We have them piled everywhere - design books, lifestyle books, nature books, kid’s books…and the most recognizable one, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.
In Cradle to Cradle, McDonough, a world renowned architect, and Braungart, a chemist and professor, are not giving readers short snippets about how to go green in your kitchen - instead, a greater concept beyond ‘reduce, reuse, recycle, and regulate’ is explored on a grand scale. McDonough and Braungart coined the term ‘upcycling’ (cradle to cradle) to explain how we as consumers are still making waste (cradle to grave), even through recycling. We might think we’re going a world of good, but there are still elements missing to truly put green practices into play.
The idea behind Cradle to Cradle is for products and processes not to be ‘less bad,’ but efficient to the maximum. Just as ants or trees take away from the earth, they also give back, to be positively good for the environment. ‘Waste is food’ is the principle - by making products that can be composted, or can be used again without degrading them or the environment, we can acheive true upcycling where the need for more and more and more resources are lessened even further. Much of the book shows how the authors, as consultants, have put such principles into action for large companies, product development, even neighborhood design and actions. It is a true manifesto for change, and an inspiring read!
Aside from Cradle to Cradle’s revolutionary ideas about eco-design and practices, the book itself is innovative as well, and it a true testament to the author’s ideals. This is no paper-shredding piece of literature you’re holding. Cradle to Cradle is a “DuraBook,†a patented, synthetic, tree free, waterproof, tearproof book that is made entirely of plastic resins and inorganic fillers that can be melted and reused over and over again, without toxins or added chemicals. It’s upcycling in the palm of your hand!
Larry King just featured William McDonough and Cradle to Cradle on his show with Brad Pitt in New Orleans last week. We happen to have an extra copy laying around, and would love to share the upcycling wealth! Leave a comment here (at the TOP of this post) and we’ll pick someone at random to win…you have until Friday at midnight, PST to enter. Good luck!